Swenson, Claes Wilhelm, painter – Portland – born on
June 10, 1864 in Mölnbo, Östergötland. At the age of two he came to Söderköping,
where he was raised. In 1880 he moved to Stockholm. On May 1, 1884, he
completed his apprenticeship as a painter, and in May 1888 he traveled to
America, arriving in Portland, Oregon, on Midsummer Day. He continued working
as a painter, and since 1903 he has run his own business from his shop, located
at 801 Union Avenue. He owns both the land and the building there. He has his
residence on 760 Grand Avenue. He also owns another property in Portland. He
participated in the painting of The Oregonian building, as well as managed the
painting of the Swedish Lutheran Churches in both west and east Portland. He is
the deputy treasurer of U. S. Bank, and has been the President of the Painters’
Union in Portland. He was one of the founders of the organization Svenska
Bröderna, and he is a member of the Woodmen of the World. He also acted in
the first Swedish play ever performed in Portland, namely “Mamsell Sundblad
wants to get married”, in which he did an excellent job playing the role of the
police officer. He married Gerda Johanna Söderberg from Stockholm, on November
29, 1889. They have two daughters, of which one is married.